The provincial government has lifted the evacuation order for some parts of Conception Bay North.
Firefighters have been making headway against what’s referred to officially as the Kingston fire. Cooler temperatures today allowed further progress.
Premier John Hogan says the evacuation order issued on August 9th has been lifted for the communities of Salmon Cove, Burnt Point, Gull Island and areas north of Northern Bay Brook bridge in Northern Bay. The rest of Northern Bay remains under an evacuation order.
Residents in areas where the order has been lifted can return to their properties whenever they wish.
Route 70 remains closed between Salmon Cove to Northern Bay so residents in communities on the northern end of the fire must access the area from around the Trinity Bay side if they’re coming from the south.
Welcome Centre set up in Lower Island Cove
A Welcome Centre has been set up at the AYLA Centre, 2 Critches Road, Lower Island Cove for residents returning home today. The centre will be open until 10:00 p.m. Saturday evening and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday (August 24).
The Salvation Army will be on site with their food truck to provide food and refreshments.
People will be on site to guide and assist returning residents, including mental health supports from NL Health Services.
Protective and clean up supplies available
Masks, gloves and garbage bags will be available at the welcome centre to assist residents with the clean-up of their homes. Information will also be available regarding spoiled food disposal, water safety, etc.
A roadblock will be set up at Northern Bay Brook bridge to restrict traffic into areas still under an evacuation order.
A regional state of emergency remains in place.
